On November 26, 2008, First Niagara Financial Group (the "Company") provided notice to all of its directors and executive officers of an upcoming blackout period under the First Niagara Financial Group 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan") in connection with a change of the 401(k) Plan's recordkeeper, and that they are prohibited from acquiring or disposing of the Company's equity securities during the upcoming blackout period. The blackout period is expected to begin on or about December 22, 2008, and end on or about January 22, 2009. This Form 8-K is being filed to comply with the SEC requirement that notice of a covered blackout period under the 401(k) Plan be given to directors and executive officers of the Company and also furnished to the SEC as a Current Report on Form 8-K. The notice that was sent to those persons on November 26, 2008 is being filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference to this Item.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired. Not applicable

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information. Not Applicable

(c) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.   Description

99.1          Notice of Blackout Period dated November 26, 2008 to Directors and
              Executive Officers of First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.